NLC Strike: Nigerians Face Darkness as Electricity Workers Join Protest

Nigerians are facing the prospect of a nationwide blackout as electricity workers joined the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in its two-day warning strike to protest the removal of petrol subsidy by the Bola Tinubu-led administration.

The NLC, which is the largest workers’ union in the country, embarked on the strike today over the failure of the federal government to continue with negotiations and implement some of the resolutions reached at previous meetings.

The union said the removal of petrol subsidy had caused massive suffering and hardship for Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.

In solidarity with the NLC, electricity distribution companies, which are responsible for supplying power to consumers, announced that their workers had joined the strike. This means that power supply will be disrupted across the country until the strike is called off.

In a statement signed by its management, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), which covers the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi and Nassarawa states, said a general power outage was experienced across its franchise.

The company said the disruption was caused by the enforcement of the two-day warning strike by the labour union and advised customers to take necessary precautions to manage the power outage effectively.

The statement reads: “We apologise for any inconvenience you may be experiencing as a result of this, as we continue our engagement with key stakeholders towards minimising the impact of the strike on our customers. Kindly unplug sensitive electronic devices and appliances from power sources pending the restoration of power.”

Similarly, the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC), which covers Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states, said it had shut down its feeders due to the strike.

In a statement by its spokesman, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, the company said the outages in KEDC’s franchise were due to the warning strike.

The statement reads: “We regret to announce that the outage being experienced currently in our franchise states is due to the warning strike embarked upon by the Nigerian Labour Congress and its affiliate unions. The action has necessitated the shutting down of all 33KV feeders by the striking workers.

“ We hope the impasse between the federal government and the NLC shall be resolved soonest so that power supply can be restored. We regret all inconvenience.”

Other electricity distribution companies in Nigeria, such as Eko, Ikeja, Ibadan, Jos, Enugu, Benin and Yola, also issued similar statements confirming their participation in the strike and apologising to their customers for any inconvenience.

Newsflash Nigeria reports that the two-day warning strike embarked on by the NLC has recorded partial compliance in some parts of the country on its first day, as banks ignore calls for participation.

However, other sectors such as transport, education, health and telecommunications have been affected by the strike.

The NLC has threatened to escalate its action to a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation if its demands are not met within 14 working days or 21 days.

The union is demanding that the federal government reverses its decision on petrol subsidy removal, engages in dialogue with labour and civil society organisations on how to address the economic crisis, investigates and prosecutes those involved in fuel subsidy scams and corruption in the power sector, and respects workers’ rights and trade union autonomy.

Newsflash Nigeria is an online newspaper that is developed and written exclusively for Nigerians. It’s packed with up-to-the-minute Local and National Economy News, Share & Capital Market, Health, Sports, Education, Technology, Business and Opinions.

To make further advert enquiries or place an order, please contact us at [email protected] and +2348053316946 and WhatsApp number 08033546732